IntroductionIn debuting the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible, the automaker reminded its global audience that Corvettes have long been offered without a solid roof: "The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design, issuing the reminder at the vehicle's introduction at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The Corvette has not always been designed with a convertible model in mind, but this time around Chevrolet engineered the 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible models simultaneously, ensuring that additional structural reinforcements would not be required as a result of replacing the coupe's standard carbon fiber roof panel with a fabric convertible top. As a result, the only modifications made under the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Convertible's carbon fiber and composite bodywork are minor changes designed to accommodate the folding top and its hard tonneau cover.

Exterior FeaturesThe 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is equipped with a 3-ply fabric convertible roof that powers down and stores beneath a hard tonneau cover at speeds up to 30 mph. The top features a glass rear window and extra sound deadening material, and works using a switch on the instrument panel or remotely via the vehicle's key fob. The Corvette Stingray Convertible bowing in Geneva wore a new wheel design that will also be offered for the coupe.

The Geneva show car also had an optional Z51 Performance package, but the air ducts that accompany this upgrade and which are featured so prominently on the Corvette Stingray Coupe's flanks have been moved beneath the Corvette Stingray Convertible's bodywork due to packaging requirements for the folding top and the hard tonneau cover.Interior FeaturesA "waterfall" trim panel matching the vehicle's exterior color separates the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible's front seats, which are offered in comfort- and sport-bolstered designs. The seats face a driver-oriented instrument panel that includes twin 8-inch reconfigurable screens, one dedicated to gauges and instrumentation, the other the infotainment system and Chevrolet MyLink technology.

Optional FeaturesThe 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible can be optioned with a choice between aluminum and carbon fiber trim, premium leather upholstery, extended-leather treatment for the cabin, and an upgraded audio system.

Thanks, in part, to an Active Fuel Management system that shuts half of the engine's cylinders off under low-load driving conditions, Chevrolet expects the new Corvette Stingray to get 26 mpg on the highway, while accelerating to 60 mph in less than four seconds. The automaker also says the new Corvette will generate more than 1.0g of cornering force when rounding a turn on its 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels and run-flat performance tires.A new Drive Mode Selector system allows the driver to select between Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport, and Track settings. Every 2014 Corvette Stingray is also equipped with standard electric steering and Brembo braking system components.